PANOPLY

In the last few years, when I do post on this blog, I am almost embarrassed to see the time passed since my last post. I say 'almost', since I know I've been busy. So, excuses aside, here goes:

Yesterday, I was teaching my usual 10:30am Anusara Class at Sage Yoga in Fallbrook (CA). I considered myself fortunate that many chose to struggle through the rain to come to class. Remember, I do live in So. Cal., where rain, fire and earthquakes are stay-at-home or evacuate events (evacuate for the last two - fire & earthquakes). In the case of rain, many choose to stay cozy on their sofas or - giving them the benefit of the doubt - maybe they're taking care of erosion issues, roof leaks, flooded surface streets.  Anyway, everyone showed up yesterday despite the rain.

And, don't get me wrong, no one's complaining about the rain, since we need it; but, it is a change from our otherwise warm and sunny days.

So, back to teaching.

We are going through the sequence I'd prepared and during one particular pose (often fraught with struggle), the word 'panoply' almost comes out of my mouth. How that word got into my head is a mystery.  I held back, since I wasn't sure what the word meant. I had an idea, but not sure enough to throw it out, especially with all those pairs of eyes watching me.

What did I do? I asked the room -- 'does anyone know what the word 'panoply' means?'  (A clue here that my classes run the gamut of asana, anatomy, vocabulary, self-inquiry, etc., etc.)  No answer, but I did get promise to find out.

I came home and looked it up, because by now you're waiting on the edge of your seats for just what it means; so, here goes:

PANOPLY:  A noun meaning a complete or impressive collection of things, as in "a deliciously inventive panoply of ideas"; also, a splendid display and/or a complete set of arms or suit of armor (that's from history, since the word comes from the Greek, Panoplia, meaning 'suit of armor')

Therefore, I could have used the word (the context of yesterday's event escapes me now) - as an impressive collection of poses (or something like that).

When I guide the TT's at Sage, we do word drills -- I'll offer up 5-6 commonly heard words in yoga classes (like put, bring, take, etc.) and ask students to pull out their Thesaurus and find some alternatives. It's a good exercise, bringing out some creative ways of offering instructions/guidance.

And, in my world otherwise?

Teaching 4-5 classes each week; a new TT group will begin later this month; and I continue my studies at Loyola Marymount (in LA) to become certified as a yoga therapist (1.5 years to go until completion).

Enjoy your day,